Looking to delve into the study of Judaism to learn more than just the basics? Join Rabbi Rena Blumenthal in this 16-session Reconstructionist-inspired program of Jewish immersion and learning. We will use Book of Life by Rabbi Michael Strassfeld and other provided materials for this program.

This program is perfect for those looking to convert to Judaism, new to Judaism, wanting a refresher, or looking for a way to kick-start their next steps in Jewish learning and practice.

After class, participants will:

1. Have a broad sense of Jewish history, text, and practice
2. Be aware of some of the cutting-edge issues in contemporary Judaism
3. Have begun to experiment with their Jewish practices & and commitments
4. Have a clearer sense of the next steps in their Jewish learning and practice
   

About the Instructor
Rabbi Rena Blumenthal is a freelance rabbi based in New Paltz, New York. She graduated from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2003, and worked at Vassar College as Assistant Director of the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life and Rachlin Advisor to Jewish Students from 2003-2014. Prior to becoming a rabbi, Rena worked for fifteen years as a psychologist in New York City and Jerusalem. Her freelance rabbinate has included campus consultation for Jewish life, a wide range of formal and informal teaching opportunities, training of interfaith college chaplains, hospital chaplaincy, officiating at weddings and other lifecycle events, and leadership of a monthly Havurah service for the New Paltz community. Rena is the author of a novel, https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/book/the-book-of-israela

Course Schedule
Week 1: Oct. 22, 2023
Lech Lecha: Sharing our Jewish journeys
Basic Concepts: What is Judaism?

Week 2: Nov. 5, 2023
Biblical History & Texts

Week 3: Nov. 19, 2023
Shabbat & the Jewish Calendar

Week 4: Dec. 3, 2023
The Jewish Year Cycle: Winter & Early Spring Holidays

Week 5: Dec. 17, 2023
Denominations & Theology

Week 6: Jan. 14 2024
The Synagogue: Structure of the Prayers, Communal Prayer, Ritual Garments

Week 7: Jan. 28, 2024
Rabbinic History & Texts

Week 8: Feb. 11, 2024
The Obligated Jew: Mitzvah, Halacha, Hesed, Tikkun Olam

Week 9: Feb. 25, 2024
The Jewish Home: Ritual Objects, Kashrut, Blessings

Week 10: Mar. 24, 2024
The Jewish Year Cycle: Spring and Summer Holidays

Week 11: Apr. 7, 2024
Medieval Jewish History & Texts

Week 12: Apr. 21, 2024
Life Cycle 1: Birth, B’nei Mitzvah, Sexuality, Marriage

Week 13: May 5, 2024
Life Cycle 2: Death & Mourning; Conversion; Contemporary Rituals

Week 14: May 19, 2024
Modern Jewish History: The Emancipation of the Jews; Early Zionism; the Holocaust

Week 15: June 2, 2024
The Jewish Year Cycle: The Fall Holidays

Week 16: June 16, 2024
Contemporary Judaisms: Jewish Feminism, LGBTQ Jews, BIPOC Jews; Zionism today
Tzeh u’lmad: “Now Go and Study!”